President Tinubu Declares Security Emergency, Orders 50,000 Police, Forest Guards & Army Recruitment

Abuja, Nigeria — In a decisive move to curb the escalating insecurity across the country, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally declared a Nationwide Security Emergency. The President announced the directive on Wednesday, ordering an immediate and massive recruitment drive for the Nigeria Police Force and the Armed Forces to put “more boots on the ground.”

The declaration comes on the heels of recent security breaches and successful rescue operations, signalling a shift to a more aggressive, all-encompassing strategy against terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.

Key Directives in the Declaration

In a statement released personally by the President, several critical measures were outlined to bolster the nation’s security architecture immediately:

• Police Force Expansion: The President authorised the recruitment of an additional 20,000 police officers, raising the total ongoing recruitment target to 50,000 personnel.
• Emergency Training Facilities: To fast-track the deployment of these new officers, the President has authorised the use of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps nationwide as temporary training depots.
• VIP Protection Withdrawal: Officers currently attached to VIP guard duties are to be withdrawn and subjected to “crash training.” They will subsequently be redeployed to security-challenged areas to provide efficient police services.
• DSS & Forest Guards: The Department of State Services (DSS) has been granted authority to deploy all trained forest guards immediately. Their mandate is clear: flush out terrorists and bandits using the forests as hideouts. The DSS has also been directed to recruit more men specifically for forest security.

“No More Hiding Places”

President Tinubu’s tone was combative and resolute, declaring that there would be “no more hiding places for agents of evil.”

Acknowledging the severity of the situation, he stated:

“My fellow Nigerians, this is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground, especially in security-challenged areas. The times require all hands on deck.”

The President also took the opportunity to commend the security agencies for recent successes, specifically the rescue of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State and 38 worshippers in Kwara State. He assured the public that operations are ongoing to rescue the remaining students of the Catholic School in Niger State and other hostages.

A Charge to the Military

Addressing the Armed Forces directly, President Tinubu demanded absolute integrity and discipline, warning against sabotage.

“There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence. The Nigerian people are counting on you,” the President charged, promising full administrative support for their operations.

What This Means for Nigerians

This declaration marks a significant escalation in the Federal Government’s approach to insecurity. The conversion of NYSC camps into training grounds indicates the urgency of the situation, while the focus on “forest guards” suggests a tactical shift to take the battle to the bandits’ enclaves, rather than waiting for attacks on townships.

As the nation braces for these sweeping changes, the message from the Villa is clear: the status quo is no longer acceptable, and the government is mobilising every available resource to restore peace.

Read the full statement from President Tinubu below:

“Today, in view of the emerging security situation, I have decided to declare a nationwide security emergency and order additional recruitment into the Armed Forces. By this declaration, the police and the army are authorised to recruit more personnel. The police will recruit an additional 20,000 officers, bringing the total to 50,000… The DSS also has my authority to immediately deploy all the forest guards already trained to flush out the terrorists and bandits lurking in our forests… My fellow Nigerians, this is a national emergency… The times require all hands on deck.”